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Casualties unknown

Ag Pilot Crashes During Practice Takeoff After Water Dumping Attempt (N9583G)

Tifton, GA, US

On July 8, 1994, a Cessna A188B (registration N9583G) operated by Lowder, Bruce D. was involved in an aviation accident near Tifton, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE AIRCRAFT CHECKLIST, RESULTING IN AN ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF WITH THE ELEVATOR TRIM IMPROPERLY SET. A FACTOR WAS THE TREES AT THE PERIMETER OF THE AIRSTRIP. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural pilot taking off with a load of water for practice maneuvers crashed after failing to clear perimeter trees. The elevator trim was found in the full nose down position, contrary to checklist instructions.

Incident Overview

An agricultural pilot was practicing aerial application maneuvers while taking off with a load of water. The aircraft became airborne approximately two-thirds of the way down a dirt runway. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft settled back toward the runway. The pilot attempted to dump the water load, but the aircraft did not clear perimeter trees. It struck the trees, crashed into an open field, and was consumed by fire.

Flight Control Examination

An examination of the flight controls revealed that the elevator trim was in the full nose down position. The aircraft's before takeoff checklist specifies that elevator trim should be set for takeoff, which is neutral. Full nose down trim corresponds to approximately 12 degrees above neutral.

Engine and Other Factors

The pilot did not report any loss of engine power during the event. No other anomalies were noted in the available information.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jul 1994 Cessna A188B accident near Tifton, GA?

An agricultural pilot taking off with a load of water for practice maneuvers crashed after failing to clear perimeter trees. The elevator trim was found in the full nose down position, contrary to checklist instructions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jul 1994 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N9583G, operated by Lowder, Bruce D., at Tifton, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE AIRCRAFT CHECKLIST, RESULTING IN AN ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF WITH THE ELEVATOR TRIM IMPROPERLY SET. A FACTOR WAS THE TREES AT THE PERIMETER OF THE AIRSTRIP.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01661. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.